Every sport has its beauty, but somewhere there is always a less attractive side. In episode 4 of the six-part series ‘The Beauty of Sport’, NH Sport reporter Erik-Jan Brinkman immerses himself in futsal. How does this sport deal with results and entertainment?
Compared to field football, futsal is much lower in the pecking order. Less professional and it rarely gets attention in the national media. Last winter’s European Championship in our own country had to change that. That only partly worked. Indoor football received a major boost due to the media attention and beautiful decors in, among others, the Ziggodome in Amsterdam. But many TV viewers and spectators also talked about a tactical chess game.
Attractive football
In episode 4 of ‘The Beauty of the Sport’ we visit ASV Lebo. The Amsterdam futsal association is one of the better clubs in the Netherlands and has an icon with trainer Zaid el Morabiti. The 119-time international strives to entertain the public. “I don’t like playing wide passes and save. Attractive football, high ball tempo and making many actions.”
kharchouch
Former Telstar player Reda Kharchouch will also be speaking. “The ball keeps rolling all the time, so you’re watching football all the time.” Yet the Amsterdam goalkeeper thief of FC Emmen also cracks some critical notes about futsal. “I like field football more. The enthusiasm is much greater and financially a hundred times better.”
Few goals
As every week, the three-member panel also has a clear vision about the sport in question. For example, Volkrant journalist Willem Vissers thinks that too little is scored in futsal and it is not always fun to watch. “I think it has become very tactical now compared to before.”
The next episode of ‘The Beauty of Sport’ can be seen on television on Monday 4 July at 5.10 pm. Then gymnastics is key.